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East Enders go for world record in the name of boating safety

Ready, set, wear it! East Enders Saturday will attempt to break a world record for the most life jackets worn at one time.

Strong’s Marine in Mattituck will host the event to kick off National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 18 though 24. The annual Ready, Set, Wear It campaign, sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council, hopes to raise awareness about the importance of wearing life jackets.

Last year in New York, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that in 85 percent of fatal drowning cases victims were not wearing a life jacket.

“Some people think it’s macho not to wear a life jacket,” Peconic Bay Power Squadron member Len Llewellyn said. “They don’t realize what could happen if they go overboard.”

This is the second year members of the local squadron will try to break the record. A photo will be taken to document the world record attempt at noon.

“If you own a life jacket come on down and get in the picture,” Mr. Llewellyn said.

The Peconic Bay Power Squadron will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m to conduct safety inspections and answer questions about boating safety.

“Anything you want to know and you’ve been afraid to ask these people will be able to answer,” Mr. Llewellyn said.

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